I could spend hours curled up in a reading nook with a good book and a hot cup of tea. With life’s consistent hassle, my muscles crave something solemn and sweet…and it’s the perfect way to satisfy those needs. As C.S. Lewis said—and as I quoted on my about me page—” You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.” These are, in my consideration, some of the best pairs when it comes to teas and novels.
Lavender Tulsi + Little Women
The March girls are both feminine and independent at the same time, giving their unique personalities a way to carry on one of young adult literature’s most beloved stories. Lavender is soft, having the aroma of beauty and peace. It’s calming and lovely; the feminine side. Tulsi, or “Holy Basil,” is a lesser-known herbal tea. It’s not what you’d expect, yet dances on your tastebuds; the independent.
Earl Grey + The Picture of Dorian Gray
Perhaps it’s the British ambiance or even the (differently spelled) colour in their names, but these two are perfect together. Both Dorian Gray and Earl Grey have a mysterious, yet pristine hint within them. The dark shade of the tea matches the dark themes in Oscar Wilde’s novel. The only thing missing is a rainy day.
Jasmine + The Ocean at the End of the Lane
The Ocean at the End of the Lane is a deep and dark story. Neil Gaiman has a perfect way of dragging you to the bottom of his sea of stories and drowning you in obsession. Jasmine tea might not be the same, but it has that certain taste that you cannot find anywhere else—and that’s what makes it special.
Peach Green Tea + Anne of Green Gables
Anne is an optimist. I love reading her monologues on the beauty of life. I love her summertime red hair and her quirky personality. Green tea, like her, is naturally sweet—there’s no need to add sugar. But a touch of peach gives it the fruity flavour it needs, the spark of laughter hidden amid a choreographed dance.
Chamomile Rose + Winnie the Pooh
I remember nights in the woods, falling asleep to the adventures of A.A. Milne’s characters. I’d wake up to sunshine lighting up the wildflowers. I imagine that somewhere, near the Hundred Acre Wood, there’s a garden with both chamomile flowers and roses. Chamomile has the same effect as the stories—it puts you to sleep, not because you’re bored, but because you’re enclosed in a solemn sweetness. Roses add in an extra tint of love and friendship.
Arabian Nights + Arabian Nights
Arabian Nights—the tea—isn’t a wildly spread flavour but instead a certain mixture created by one of my favourite independent tea companies. The name is noticeably similar to that of an ancient book. A sip of a thousand tastes will amplify the spirit within Scheherazade’s tales. It’ll carry you along with the adventures of Sinbad and Aladdin. And it could even pacify a murderous monarch—for at least one thousand and one nights.
Curl up in your reading nook or your tea room chair. Taste comfort. Read adventure.
Keep wandering,
TALK TO ME! What are your favourite tea and book pairings? What would be your go-to tea for a rainy day?
I only just found your blog but BOOKS? TEA? I LOVE. The only thing better is books AND tea which you have masterfully delivered 😀
Awww, thank you!! This made my day! 🙂